Denim Dignity

3x1: Making a Jean from 3x1 on Vimeo.


During our trip to New York last year, me and the other half went to a really interesting jeans shop called 3 X 1. Instead of having the cutters, seamsters (I don't know if this is a word, but I like it!)and seamstresses hidden away in a basement or attic or distant village, they are placed in full view on the shop floor within a glass walled room, so you can see bespoke jeans taking shape before your very eyes! You can choose from an incredibly wide selection of 150+ types of denim along with thread, zips, rivets and studs in an array of colours to create your own custom made jeans. Needless to say this service will cost you a pretty penny and will reflect the true price of making garments that have been made by workers who have been paid a living wage in decent working conditions. Don't let the price tag put you off visiting because it is an enjoyable experience with welcoming staff and gorgeous fabrics to stroke and coo over! 

Above is one of 3 x 1 videos that can be found on their website, if you've got a couple of minutes take a look at how a pair of jeans is made at this inshop mini factory......

3 X 1, 15 mercer St, SoHo, NYC.

Jeanius

On the way home from work the other night, I caught a glimpse of that familiar blue out of the corner of my eye. I dragged the other half to get a closer look and discovered this installation ....

From a distance it looks like someone's put their washing out on a load of toothpicks, but on closer inspection the display has been carefully arranged to show this every day item at its best, these jeans look as if they are setting off on a campaign to take over the world, well Chelsea School of Art at least!
Here's a link to what it's all about  http://www.catalytic-clothing.org/

Thread Marks

Sometimes its the little things in life that make me happy. Take this sewing thread for example, on first inspection it looks like plain blue thread, but wait, look again - it's denim colour - yippeeeee!

Denim Body

I might not have mentioned it, but me and Rob are members of the National Trust. We pootle around the country visiting well loved homes and places of historical interest. Like two old biddies we pack our sarnies and squash into our picnic bag, looking forward to lunch in the gardens (or our car if it's too cold!)of the chosen destination. This time we visited 'The Vyne' - packed full of goodies from many eras, surrounded by beautiful grounds....but spookily the Vyne was dotted all over with macabre looking footless and handless bodies. On closer inspection we discovered that a local school had produced them as part of a project (phew!)This one of course caught my eye because of his jeans....

Hats Off To Denim!

Check out this great denim helmet, spotted in a great retro/vintage shop in Rye....

Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!

I saw this great bit of DIY saddle protecting on the way to Sloane Square tube this morning.

What a waist!

I quite like this display of jeans that we found in a second hand shop in Notts.

Hot hot hot stuff

Looks like hot pants are still in fashion up in ye olde Nottingham. Found these great labelled up shorts in a great place called Vintage Warehouse. I didn't buy them but got some other great bits and pieces for re - making.

48 Bus Watch

Check out these strides, spotted on the No 48 bus today. I can't even begin to imagine how you'd create those tiny denim heart scrolls - Go Lady Denim go!

Fancy That!

Just got back from Birmingham, we managed to fit in a visit to The Fancy Silk Store in the centre of Brum. It's a dressmaker's dream filled with every type of fabric on each of its four floors. Here's a pic of some of the denim they have on offer.

Well Loved Jacket

I get given so many brilliant denim things including this worn-out jacket, it's a pity its so small otherwise I'd be wearing it right this minute!

My Latest Denim Buy

I bought this groovy denim apron/cash carrier thingy from an alladin's cave of a shop on Bethnal Green Rd( please let me know its proper name!). It's great for wearing around the studio, I can put my mobile phone in it, scissors, keys, sweets and all manner of useful things!

Check out these strides!

I couldn't resist buying these toddler jeans from Oxfam, they've got furry piping running through them, I can't help but smile whenever I see them! Do you think they come in adult sizes?